Reggae singer Fantan Mojah, real name Owen Moncrieffe, died suddenly on Tuesday, July 14, at the age of 49, just three weeks before he was due to celebrate his 50th birthday. He died at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston after suffering complications related to his heart. The star had recently returned from a trip to America. His booking agent, Vertex, confirmed the sad news to the Jamaica Observer.

"Since he came back from the United States, he was hearty, but over the past week, he started to 'take down', and he was admitted to the UHWI. Last night, he was vomiting blood, and that was it. He passed away," they said. It was also reported that in the days before his death, he couldn’t exert himself too much and was reportedly deteriorating rapidly while staying with friends. His death came as he was preparing to return to the international stage and was scheduled to perform at this year’s Reggae Jam Festival in Germany. Schengen visas for the trip were recently approved.

The star had experienced some health issues in recent years. In July 2024, he was hospitalised in Martinique after suffering breathing difficulties and tightness in his chest. On that occasion, it was reported his heart was functioning at approximately 15% capacity.

By early 2025, he appeared to have recovered, and he had resumed touring in Europe.

The star, who was known for his spiritually charged reggae songs, had enjoyed a meteoric rise in music. He was working as a window cleaner when he crossed paths with Joe Bogdanovich, the chief of Downsound Records. "We got into a conversation that ended up with me recording him, and I made some really, really big records with him," Bogdanovich said in an interview.

Following the meeting, he recorded his 2005 breakthrough album Hail the King. However, he left the label that same year, igniting the start of an on-and-off relationship with Bogdanovich. Following his departure, he went on to record Stronger and his most famous track, Rasta Got Soul, celebrating Rastafarian spirituality and cultural roots.

Tributes flooded in for the star as the news became public. On Facebook, one fan penned: "Give thanks for the life of a true brother, a gifted musician, and a true warrior. Jah knows best. Your musical contribution can never be erased, and Your works will continue to speak. May the Most High grant strength and comfort to your family, friends, and fans. Rest in Power, Fantan Mojah."

Another added: "Today is another crazy sad day because the Jamaican singer Owen Lennox Moncrieffe, better known in the world as Fantan Mojah has passed yesterday. There's no peace for all reggae fans around the world. My very deep condolences to his family, friends and all fans around the world..."

A third chimed in: "The news I never wanted to wake up to: Fantan Mojah has passed away. After DJ Marocaan, mi lose another friend and brethren… Words cyaan explain di pain. Mi heart heavy. That you too, Fantan, never get fi see your 50th birthday… only di Almighty know why...Di memories will live on forever. Rest in Power, King

Meanwhile, a fourth shared: "Rest in Power, Fantan Mojah...His music carried messages of faith, righteousness, and African consciousness, inspiring reggae lovers around the world. His legacy will continue to live on through his timeless songs and unwavering commitment to positive music. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans across the globe."